Better than expected. Mozart had a terrific sense of the bawdy. I have been laughing at his orginality. Highly recommed.

I appreciate Robert Spaethling's scholarly approach and unvarnished truth in his depiction of Mozart's life .

The letters are "newly translated "by him and extremely interesting to read. They are chronologically presented

with mini biographies throughout .....It is all most excellent..

Anyone who has ever heard any of Mozart's work knows that he is a fantastic composer - arguably the best ever. But every recording of every one of Mozart's pieces could not begin to provide the glimpse into Mozart's life that this book does. Contained herein are hundreds of Mozart's letters to those close to him, starting from when he was a boy traveling around Europe to a mere three months before his death in 1791. And whilst the fact that all of these letters are translations does make for some awkward reading at times, it also adds to the authenticity and thusly makes it all the more interesting.

I cannot recommend Mozart's Letters, Mozart's Life highly enough to anyone interested in Wolfgang Mozart. It is an unparalleled first-hand account of Mozart's life by the man himself, and is a must have for any classical music enthusiast's collection.

Let's start with the simple fact - I adore Mozart, as a musician and composer and now, after I read this lovely book, as a wonderful human being.

I long waited to read Mozart's letters. There are a number of translations out there, some really miss the point. They try to translate his letters "nicely" or "correctly" , and cut's off all of those parts that truly brings to life of this genius , brilliant, goodhearted, loving, funny, childish human being.

This translation of his letters is great, you can see that Mr.Spaethrling loves Mozart, and really tries to translate every important nuance for us to get to know him properly.

I would definitely recommend this book to every fan of Mozart – it's a must have.

I purchased the book for a granddaughter, having read it myself years ago, I found the insight into Mozart's life fascinating and was both humorous and somewhat tragic. The book would please anyone who has studied or simply enjoys the music of Mozart because the letters, both his own and those of his sister etc, document his gentle, quirky personality, and brilliant mind.

This is a must for everyone who loves 18th century literature. The writing is candid and adorable. And very weirdly scatological, but that was Wolfgang for you. I'm loving it. I'd recommend it to anyone who loved Casanova's Memoirs. Real slice of 18th C life from the angle of a popular performer who was yet a sort of beggar at courts for favors and appointments.

Gave this book as gift to my mom for Christmas. I myself read some excerpts from the book and was surprised at some of the letters that were written. It is interesting to find out more information about someone you didn't know a lot about.

This book is wonderful so far. The first night I started it I could not put it down and eventually fell asleep on top of it. I am a great Mozart fan and this book makes me feel like I'm somehow closer to him. It's like listening to his music you can somehow share his feelings and hear things that are not being said. So far this book is sucking me in like the movie does. I love it!!!!!!!

This is a brilliant book. Mozart's letters are carefully put into chronological order and care has been taken not to override his wit with comments by the editor.

Mozart is allowed to shine through. Not as a demi-god, but as he was a warm, funny, witty, fascinating human being.

Somebody who would be a celebrity in any era.

As a musician, he has none better, but as a man, he was great.

It is a marvellously well presented book. Thoroughly enjoyable.

All music scholars should read it, and all people who want to get an insight into someone with depth of character who is extremely loving, intriguing and interesting, one of a kind, then please do yourself a favour- and read it!

It's not there aren't better reads, there's just not that many books which give a true insight into the mind and heart of a better person.

I’m only half way through the book and it’s amazing to learn so much about Mozart! I would of loved to meet him in real life.

Dammmmiiiii!!!!!!!

4.5 stars.

I’m exhausted ‘for’ Mozart.

His genius cannot be denied, but oh boy, what a short life he had filled with so many struggles: years of touring as a ‘child prodigy’; trying to impress, appease and break from the authority of his father; striving for recognition from those reluctant to give him a steady job (position); having to continuously grovel for money; and navigating around his social status as a musician/composer.

From the editor and translator: “The archbishop regarded musicians, in the spirit of the time, as members of his household staff, obliged to serve at the whim of their master.” And, according to the order of rank at the servants table, “…musicians were of lower rank than valets.”

It amazes me that Mozart had such stamina for his craft under such hardships. Perhaps a true indication of his love of music despite all odds?

The arc of his letters revealed a cheeky (and often warped, smutty) toilet humour flavour which refined as he reached his twenties. However, a couple of personal messages to his wife, not long before his death, showed his bawdy side was still lurking…

There are so many letters, but I suppose that was the only means of communication back then. I shudder and grin to think what Mozart would have done if he had had access to social media platforms!

Salzburg prides itself with Mozart landmarks and festivals, therefore I was intrigued by Mozart's thoughts on his birthplace: “I swear on my honour that I can’t stand Salzburg and its inhabitants; I mean the native Salzburgians; I find their language – their manners quite insufferable…”

Given he rarely found recognition and happiness in other European cities and societies, maybe Mozart never got the opportunity to write about finding the grass was not always greener on the other side?

Despite the letters becoming repetitive at times (hence not quite a 5-star rating from me), the musical detail, and how Mozart experienced changes that we know today, were fascinating:

“If only we had clarinets in the orchestra! – You wouldn’t believe what marvellous effects flutes, oboes and clarinetti produce in a Sinfonie.” Of course, Mozart went on to compose one of our much-loved clarinet concertos.

My review does little justice to the copious letters presented in this book. I prefer to rely on the more informative, imaginative and brilliant reviews written by other Goodreaders. Most notably a recent one by J. O’Neill, a Mozart fan who captured the detail, essence, humour and heartache of Mozart’s letters extremely well. Look it up if you want more Mozart

Haven started to read it yet. It's on my "to do" list . Reccommended autobiography